Xenophobia And South Africa's Youth
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Executive Mayor Benson Fihla has called on young people to refrain from attacking foreign nationals during service delivery protests. Fihla was speaking at a Youth Day rally in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.
The 81-year-old mayor also joined President Jacob Zuma and several other leaders in urging young people to stay at school and attain skills needed to improve the country's economy.
At the same rally, President of the South African Youth Council, Thulani Tshefuta, also emphasised the importance of education, saying: "Education is the only tool that will empower us with information knowledge and skills to be able to exploit all opportunities that exist as a result of democracy."
Many speakers at Sunday's Youth Day rallies urged young people not to use drugs. One of the worst affected areas is the Cape Flats.
Many speakers at Sunday's Youth Day rallies urged young people not to use drugsA recent report by the Medical Research Council suggests that dagga smoking is rife amongst the youth in the area.
Mary - not her real name - is a mother of three children who are battling drugs. She has urged other parents not to give up on their children saying that prayer can help.